The announcement comes in the wake of flood damage assessments that could provide low-interest loans and grants to flood victims, as well as affected businesses.

Red Cross Assists Flood Victims

Red Cross handed out thousands of cleaning kits to flood victims in the Village of Bellwood Saturday. (Published Saturday, Apr 27, 2013)

FEMA, IEMA, SBA and local officials began assessing damage in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties Monday, and will begin assessments in other counties as water recedes.

The data collected during these assessments will be included in Governor Pat Quinn’s request for federal assistance that could enable state and local government to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for flood-related costs from each community.

15 Most Memorable Flood Photos

Berrios also plans to hold outreach meetings with homeowners residing in the most affected areas. He has urged residents to apply for assessment reductions if substantial structural damage has affected their homes’ market value.

“I want to personally assist these taxpayers by helping them file appeals in order to receive assessment relief,” Berrios said.

Meetings will occur within the next six months, and will correspond with assessors’ filing periods in each township. However, if a township’s appeal period has already been completed, Berrios plans to assist taxpayers in filing appeals with that agency.